Date: April 04, 2014
Author: Peter Thompson, Omnisport

Doherty leads rain-affected NH Collection Open

Rookie Jack Doherty holds a one-shot lead after carding a 69 in a rain-hit first round of the inaugural NH Collection Open in Cadiz.

The 31-year-old Scotsman has only made one cut since turning professional last November, but is well on course for another after a solid start on Thursday following a delay of two hours and 40 minutes due to bad weather.

Doherty made six birdies and dropped just three shots to sign for a three-under score which ensured he holds a one-stroke advantage over a quartet of players who are a shot back.

Bradley Dredge carded a 68, while Rhys Davies, Tjaart van der Walt and Joakim Lagergren are also two-under, but all three must finish their opening rounds on Friday.

Doherty, who took 12 attempts to graduate from Qualifying School, told the official European Tour website: "It was a tough day. We had a 20 yard wind on the front nine and almost 30 yards on the back nine, which is a lot.

"The ball is going a long way downwind and it's hardly going anywhere into the wind, but I practice on the West Coast of Scotland which is normally quite windy, so I know how to play it and I just stuck to my game plan.

"The course is lovely, it's my first time here and I enjoyed it. I like the way it sets up and it's in good condition. Considering we had lots of rain yesterday and last night, the course has held up nicely and the greens are fast, especially downwind.

"This is my first year on the main Tour and my main target is to keep my card for next year; that would be the main goal, as I am limited in my starts. Every week is big, but a big week here would be huge."